Alchemy Starting at 8 p.m.Ale Asylum Starting at 5 p.m. Hop heads can rejoice as the brew pub will be hosting release party for its new beer, Satisfaction Jacksin, a double IPA. Brewmaster Dean Coffey says it finishes at 8.25% ABV, and will have a bitter bite at over 100 IBUs (International Bittering Units). A limited release of bottles is planned for autumn.

Great Dane-Hilldale Starting at 8 p.m. This event at the Hilldale outpost of the Wisconsin brewpub chain is "invite-only," so don't stop by looking to partake in these festivities. Those who scored an invitation, though, will be able to so sample beers from numerous Wisconsin breweries, including Capital Brewery (Middleton), Central Waters Brewing Company (Amherst), Lake Louie Brewing (Arena), Stevens Point Brewery (Stevens Point), and Red Eye Brewing Company (Wausau). Participating breweries from across state lines include Half Acre Beer Company (Chicago, Illinois), Pierce Brewery (Chicago, Illinois), Three Floyds Brewing company (Hammond, Indiana), and ShoreLine Restaurant & Brewery (Michigan City, Indiana).

The Malt House Starting at 4 p.m.The Old Fashioned All-day This tavern and restaurant on Capitol Square that devotes its sweeping beer menu to Wisconsin breweries will be serving special beers from around the state on tap, all $1 off.

For those fortunate to be holding tickets to the Great Taste, this year's program lists 112 breweries that are planning to attend. According to festival organizers, that means more than 700 different beers. To plan your strategy, the Madison Home Brewers and Tasters Guild provides reference info here, including the official program, a scorecard, and a map.